The new manufactory Calibre 36 is a basic form, as substantial as it is innovative, of a new generation of timepieces. The automatic movement with classic hour, minute and seconds functions is exceptionally user-friendly and meets the highest standards of the watchmaker's art. Fittingly, it celebrates its debut beneath a classic face of modern time measurement in Glashütte: the Senator Excellence.
The German watchmaker's designers were guided, as they created the new core movement, by four principles: extreme stability - in rate as well as overall construction; maximum precision; extended running time; and an aesthetic of timeless beauty.
Stability as a principle
A great deal of attention was paid during the development of the compact automatic movement to assure a sustained high performance: optimal design enabled a reduction in the number of components and the elimination of components that were potentially vulnerable to wear and tear, such as the winding system's traditional detent click, which the bi-directional-wind reduction gear renders superfluous. Contributing to substantial stability as well is an innovative bayonet mount used to settle the movement in the case.
Silicon technology for the greatest precision
With its new calibre the brand presents for the first time a movement fitted with a ultra-thin silicon balance spring. Its advantages are ideally matched to the mechanics of the movement: a bi-directional winding mechanism ensures that the watch remains within the optimal charge range. In addition, a regulator-free oscillation system makes it possible to adjust the rate using weighted screws directly on the balance rim. The movement is tested and adjusted by Glashütte Original in six different positions – one more than a chronometer certification test would normally require.
100 hours of autonomy
The new calibre features, for the first time at Glashütte Original, a power reserve of up to 100 hours, at a frequency of 4 Hertz (28,800 alternations per hour). This unusually high degree of autonomy is achieved with the use of only one spring barrel, developed specifically for this purpose.
Decorations and finishings à la Glashütte
Through the sapphire crystal case back one is immediately able to recognise typical Glashütte decorations and construction features: the characteristic three-quarter plate and the skeletonised rotor, the refined stripe finish, perlage, blued screws and finely wrought decorations on the wheels and rotor track. A further subtle highlight is the implementation of the elegant manual winding chain, which was consciously presented in full view and reveals the fascinating work performed as the watch is wound by hand.
With its minimalist design, the Senator Excellence mirrors the pure essence of Glashütte Original. A slim bezel and the domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective on both sides, offer superb views and lend this timepiece its simple elegance. The finely ribbed crown bears the brand's representative double-Glashütte logo, carried by all mechanical watches in the collection. The polished and satin-brushed surfaces of the case reflect the light.
The hour, minute and seconds hands follow their paths above an understated dial that heightens the focus on what is essential: the typical Roman numerals at hours 6 and 12.
Three versions are available: two present a dial with a light, silver-grained lacquer surface along with laser-cut, galvanised black indexes and a corresponding railroad minute ring. Both timepieces are rendered easily legible by long, slim poire hands and a filigreed seconds hand; black Louisiana alligator leather straps with pin buckles assure elegant comfort for the wearer.
A third model evokes the famous observation watches that are representative of the art of watchmaking in Glashütte. It presents a stainless steel case with black dial and finely curved Arabic numerals. Generous use of Super-LumiNova assures optimal legibility: on the slim white gold hands, the arrow-tip of the seconds hand, and on the hour indexes, the luminous coating guarantees clarity in the dark. A white railroad minute ring and 5-minute markers create additional contrasts and are enhanced by a black calfskin strap with pin buckle.
